For the past few weeks, I’ve been receiving e-mails from Vanderbilt University about the coming fall semester. One of them prompted me to start thinking about which classes to register for. Another introduced me to my academic adviser and student mentor (also known as my Advise-a-Dore Mentor).

These e-mails echoed to me that my final days of high school were rapidly approaching; soon, it would be time for graduation.

So much of my senior year has been focused on preparing for college that I feel I may have overlooked that this part of my life is coming to an end. As my high school experience concludes, I see that my college journey has given me so much more than a college acceptance letter.

This journey has exposed me to some incredible and caring people who have challenged me to grow in countless ways. I would like to give thanks to them.
My college adviser, Ms. Rothman, has been an inspirational guide along this amazing journey. In addition, I am grateful that my journey to college led me to Legal Outreach, a nonprofit organization that works with students throughout their high school careers and prepares them to be successful in competitive colleges.

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with and get to know Legal Outreach’s college access coordinator, Ms. Cooper. She has been a constant source of support and advice for me.

Before this year I had not had the opportunity to look for my voice beyond my disability, which has been such a huge part of my story. Through the support of Ms. Rothman, Ms. Cooper and many others, I have been able to find that voice.

Thanks to this newfound voice, I have been able to form new bonds with my peers. I realized that it is hard to fully connect with people when I have let my disability summarize my identity. I had always been so focused on advocating outside of school that I had not had the opportunity to share other parts of myself with my peers.

Now, through this blog and in my advocacy work, I am constantly talking about what it has been like to grow up with cerebral palsy.

Being able to share my story in these monthly posts and at my school this year has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of myself and connect with others in powerful new ways. I have grown as a person.

Only after fully and publicly owning my disability have I been able to move past it and realize that I am so much more than just that boy whose walk was once confused with a drunk’s.

It has been so great getting to share this journey with you, and I thank you for getting to know the real me.

Thanks for sharing these personal thoughts and messages for your various mentors as you move on to the next stage in your highly promising young life. You are far ahead of most students your age in emotional intelligence and many other wonderful human qualities. “Vandy” is lucky to have you. Good luck and God speed.

Brian, I’ve been reading this column for a long time, and I must tell you that yours is the most deeply intelligent and highly conscious student voice I’ve come across here. The fact of your disability has never overshadowed your many astute observations, and you consistently project an attitude of gratitude for all the good things that have come your way and that you have earned. You’re poised for success in whatever way you decide to define it. Best wishes to you.

Ironically, I found my advocacy voice once I went to college. Growing up I was always “just Geri” — not disabled, handicapped, physically challenged, etc. I was fortunate to have classmates and a community that accepted me from the beginning …way back in Kindergarten in 1972, a year before the 1973 Rehab made it illegal to keep special needs children out of public schools. My aunt told me once that I was lucky because all my “flaws” were evident …not so sure all my flaws are physical but I knew what she meant.
I’m glad you have been able to connect with your peers as you. May college continue to be a place and an experience where people see just you, just Bryan.

Maybe I am stupid, what is his disability? All colleges that receive federal funds are required to have programs for the disabled. Now that is the conundrum. What is the disability? Physical? Mental? Learning impaired? As an attendee, many years ago, at the Presidents Committee for Workers With Disabilities, established by President Truman, I learned that a program exists at most colleges/universities to help those of us with disabilities. Education of what help exists should be more available. The ADA should be available to all via info on the net perhaps via advertising.

College is a time to shape your identity and self-concept. I am impressed by your honesty and self reflection. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. By accepting your strengths as well as your weaknesses, you will be able to deal with the discrimination and stereotypes that is out there. Appreciate your resilience, your coping skills and you wit and intelligence. It will take you far. I wish you the best of luck. Thank you for your wonderful posts!

Disability is a state of mind. You are obviously a brave, strong individual who is not a victim. Being different can be an exciting journey with many creative opportunities. I wish you the best on your college journey. I am sure you will be a role model for others. Best of Luck!